Introduction to the COMMISSIONED LAY PASTOR & AUTHORIZED LAY PREACHER Program in the Presbytery of Kiskiminetas

BOOK OF ORDER AUTHORIZATION

The Book of Order (G-14.0515)provides for the training, examination and authorization of persons to exercise a public ministry of the Church as Commissioned Lay Pastors (CLPs).

The Book of Order [G.14.1513d] provides for "A temporary supply (who) may be ... an elder secured by the session to conduct services when there is no pastor or the pastor is unable to perform pastoral duties." The Presbytery of Kiskiminetas attempts to provide the churches of the Presbytery with qualified elders, who are not Commissioned Lay Pastors, to serve as Authorized Lay Preachers.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

To those called to exercise special functions in the Church, God gives suitable gifts for their various duties. In addition to possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, natural and acquired, those who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian Gospel in the Church and in the world. They must have the approval of God's people and the concurring judgment of governing bodies in the Church [G-6.0106].

Those desiring to serve as Commissioned Lay Pastors or as Authorized Lay Preachers should recognize the importance of receiving thorough preparation for their tasks. Applicants must be willing to accept the care and guidance of the Presbytery in their course of study and practical training in preparation for commissioning. Applicants should be willing to promise in reliance upon the grace of God to maintain a Christian character and conduct, and to be diligent and faithful in making full preparation for their special ministry. [G-14.03000]

It is necessary to the integrity and health of the Church that the persons who serve shall adhere to the essentials of the Reformed faith and polity, as expressed in the Book of Confessions and the Form of Government. So far as may be possible without serious departure from these standards, without infringing on the rights and views of others, and without obstructing the constitutional governance of the Church, freedom of conscience with respect to the interpretation of Scripture is to be maintained. [G-6.0108]

It is to be recognized, however, that in becoming a candidate or officer of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) One chooses to exercise freedom of conscience within certain bounds. His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church so long as he or she continues to seek or hold office in that body. The decision as to whether a person has departed from essentials of Reformed faith and polity is made initially by the individual concerned but ultimately becomes the responsibility of the governing body in which he or she serves. [G-6.0108b]

Applicants should be persons of faith, dedication and good judgment. They should be persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, and warm sympathies. [G-6.0303, G-6.0401]

PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

A. Standards

1. Faith, as expressed by trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and belief in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve; acceptance of the Old and New Testaments as the authoritative witness to that faith; receiving and adopting the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of the Church.

2. Maturity as expressed by membership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) And faithful, regular participation in its worship and service; demonstrated leadership in the Church; ability to develop facility in the craft of preaching; demonstrated pastoral ability .

3. Christian life expressed by moral standards acceptable to the Christian community; commitment to personal spiritual growth through prayer, Bible reading and devotions.

4. Constitutional as expressed by affirmative answers to the nine Constitutional questions in G-14.0516e.

B. Qualifications

1. High School diploma

2. Currently an Active Member for at least 2 years in the sponsoring PC(USA) congregation

3. Ordained as an elder

4. Endorsement by the local session where membership is held and by the pastor/moderator of the endorsing session

5. Three personal references

6. A demonstrated basic knowledge of the content of Scripture

7. Ability to speak publicly, with a clear voice and in good English

8. Demonstrated leadership in the church

9. Reliability

10. Compassion

11. Skills in personal relationships such as: well-developed listening skills, ability to relate to various age groups

12. Ability to keep confidentiality

13. Willingness to sign the Sexual Misconduct Disclaimer as worded in the Personal Information Form when Commissioned as a Commissioned Lay Pastor .

C. Covenant with the Presbytery

1. Agree to complete appropriate level of training before being qualified to:

a) Serve as a Authorized Lay Preacher for the presbytery

b) Serve as a Commissioned Lay Pastor.

2. Continue active participation in the life and mission of the current local church.

3. Participate responsibly with the local Session, mentor and the CLP program administrators in the goal setting, evaluation and decision-making processes related to preparation for service as a Authorized Lay Preacher or Commissioned Lay Pastor.

4. Give diligent attention to the educational and developmental tasks involved in this Training Program.

5. Adhere to the schedules, deadlines, and time requirements of the Training Program.

6. Take initiative in maintaining regular communication with mentor and the CPM regarding experiences, progress, and other issues pertaining to educational, spiritual, and personal development.

7. Respond promptly and responsibly to all communications, correspondence, requests for information, consultations and reports.

8. Understand that completion of training does not guarantee being qualified to preach or commissioning as a Commissioned Lay Pastor.

9. Understand that qualification as a Authorized Lay Preacher or Commissioning as a Commissioned Lay Pastor does not guarantee preaching assignments or placement as a Commissioned Lay Pastor.

10. Agree to regular continuing education provided by and through the presbytery.